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The note encouraged pupils not to feel disheartened if they did not get the news they were hoping for

A County Antrim primary school sent a moving letter to children who received their transfer test results on Saturday.

Harmony Hill Primary School in Lisburn enclosed the message within a letter informing pupils of their score in the post-primary entrance exams.

The poignant note encouraged them not to feel disheartened if they did not get the news they were hoping for.

It read: "Inside this envelope is a score.

"It's a score you've been waiting for, but it might not be the score you've been hoping for."

Disappointed

It continued: "If that's the case, it's only natural that you will feel disappointed. We will be very sorry about that and will feel disappointed 'for you' too - but we won't feel disappointed 'in you'

"Unfortunately, in life, things don't always work out the way we want them to and it can take a little time to sort out the feelings and thoughts we can have when that happens.

"We know that each one of you has worked very hard and with a great attitude.

"No score can ever take that away from you. In fact, we believe that your attitude and who you are as a person is much more important than any mark on a test."

Social media

The letter attracted much reaction on social media after a parent of a Harmony Hill pupil posted a picture of it on Facebook.

Principal Harry Greer said staff were bemused but "heartened" by the number of internet users who have been inspired by its content.

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Principal Harry Greer said staff have been surprised by the interest the letter attracted on social media